Safeguarding Children in Health and Social Care

Child abuse is any action by another person – whether an adult or another child – that causes significant harm to a child. This harm can be physical, sexual, or emotional. It can also involve a lack of love, care, or attention since neglect, whatever form it takes, can be just as damaging to a child as physical abuse. Safeguarding children from abuse or neglect is everyone’s responsibility, and when a worker in health and social care encounters children during their day-to-day work, it’s part of their job to make sure that their wellbeing is safeguarded. This course aims to ensure that the learner is able to recognise all forms of abuse and neglect, understands the effects of child abuse, and knows what action to take should they encounter it. The duration of this course is 20 minutes and can be completed over multiple sessions. Course Content: • What is child abuse? • Types of child abuse • The physical, behavioural and psychological effects of child abuse • Factors affecting the response to abuse • The impact of a parent’s mental health on children’s wellbeing • Children’s rights • The responsibilities of workers in health and social care for child safeguarding • Dealing with allegations of abuse • Whistleblowing • Internet and online social networking risks • Safeguarding children legislation